Germany, like other European nations with aging populations, seeks skilled immigrants.

Germany requires 85,000 euros starting annual wage for qualified workers from non-EU countries. This high threshold is criticized as too limiting and Christian Democrats want to lower the figure to 40,000 euros.

Not satisfied, the Confederation of German Employers' Associations wants Germany to follow a points-based model increasingly used in other countries. This is the approach used in Australia and Canada, is under consideration in the United Kingdom, and was part of the Senate immigration bill proposed earlier this year in the US.

See Facing Reality, Europe Moves to Lure Skilled Immigrants, Deutsche Welle, July 21, 2007, for more information.